GOING DOWN UNDER

PUTIN THE BOOT IN

Robbie Williams' new single Party Like A Russian mocks Putin and he even had to censor cheeky lyrics

Speaking ahead of his Irish gig next year, the former Take That star also recalled how a support slot to The Verve at Slane in 1998 marked the start of his solo career.

He said: “I came as an outsider. Slane was for very cool acts but the place went mental. The Manic Street Preachers came on, and people were still chanting my name.”

Two sell-out headline concerts quickly followed, but Robbie conceded he was “under par” for a Croke Park gig in 2006.

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Robbie said he can't wait to take to the stage at Croke Park next yearCredit: Fame Flynet

Pledging a return to form in June, he said: “Most nights I have a communion with my audience which is beyond words. Then some nights, it’s terrifying and I’m tired. I’ll make sure when I come to Dublin, I am not tired.”

Concert tickets go on sale on November 11 via robbiewilliams.com, priced from €69.50. Robbie’s new album The Heavy Entertainment Show is released next Friday.